Alyssa Healy's cheeky response to Mitchell Starc's Champions Trophy exit
What's the story
In a major blow, Australia's star pacer Mitchell Starc withdrew from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, his absence could impact Australia's chances of reclaiming the title they last won in 2009.
Starc's withdrawal came as a shock to many, including his wife and captain of the Australian women's team, Alyssa Healy.
Additionally, this comes as a shocker for Australia amidst injuries to other key players ahead of the ODI tournament.
Here's more.
Health update
Healy addresses Starc's health on podcast
In a recent episode of the Willowtalk podcast, Healy spoke about her husband's health and his decision to withdraw from the tournament.
She humorously stated, "Don't look at me, I don't know anything about it. I haven't asked him about it yet."
However, despite rumors of a potential injury, Healy dismissed any serious concerns about Starc's health, and added "He's fine, everyone, Move on."
Performance review
Starc's recent performance and future commitments
Starc, 35, has played seven consecutive Tests recently.
This includes five Tests in the home series against India and two in Galle against Sri Lanka, where he was Australia's sole pacer.
Despite spin-friendly conditions, he picked up six wickets in Australia's historic series win.
After the second Test against Sri Lanka, Starc returned home immediately and will also miss the two-game ODI Series ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Tournament withdrawal
Healy to miss WPL 2025 due to injury
In related news, Healy herself won't be playing in the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL 2025) owing to an injury.
It's a tough time for the cricketing couple.
Meanwhile, Australia will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore.
In Starc's absence, the team will rely on pace options like Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Spencer Johnson.
Squad announcement
Australia announce revamped squad for Champions Trophy
In the wake of Starc's withdrawal, Australia announced a revamped squad for the Champions Trophy.
The team will be led by Steve Smith and includes players like Alex Carey, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Spencer Johnson among others.
The new squad was revealed exactly a week before the start of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Squad adjustments
Australia's new pace attack for Champions Trophy
As mentioned, in the absence of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, Australia's pace attack for the Champions Trophy will now depend on Ellis, Abbott, Dwarshuis, and Johnson.
The duties of all-rounder Stoinis are likely to be shared between Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardy.
Despite the changes, Cricket Australia is confident of the revamped squad's performance in the upcoming tournament.
Stats
A look at Mitchell Starc's ODI stats
In 127 ODIs, the pacer has amassed 244 scalps at an average of 23.40.
He also boasts an economy rate of 5.26, taking 12 four-wicket hauls and nine five-wicket hauls.
Additionally, his best ODI bowling figures read 6/28, which he bagged against New Zealand in 2015.
According to ESPNcricinfo, 102 of his ODI scalps have come at home, while he has picked up 85 wickets in away ODIs. Remaining of his scalps have come in neutral venues.